Tool Forum

[parrisw]

found it, it looks very automated and comes with instructions to build a cart as a first project. I like that you just set the metal thickness and select the type and it does the setup for you. The 180 seems to have more bells and whistles, but is basically the same as the 165. I think i found a decent price at cyberweld which i could have shipped to Nik's. I will likely get the foot pedal too, and it will still be a lot less than the 185 which has a digital display and plug that lets you change to 12o v if needed (i don't). I think I might see if praxair or a local welding shop can match or nearly match. I think my wife will likely throw a hissy fit no matter how much I spend so I might as well make it worth my while :chatter:.

Now your talking! I'd go with the 180 if ya can swing it, much better, you definitely want foot control. KMS tools has some good prices for them, see if you have one nearby. I bought a Lincoln Square Wave Precision TIG 185, and its sweet! Its got some nice features too!

 

[parrisw]

IF your going TIG, be warned, it's the hardest to learn, not saying its impossible. Mig is the easiest. You'll have to commit yourself to practice, practice, practice. Do lots of reading, join a welding forum, lots of good stuff out there.

 

[parrisw]

Oh, and don't forget about the extras to make the welder work!! If you don't have an outlet to plug it into, that's expensive, it cost me like $180 just in parts for electrical parts to put in a 50A outlet, and I did the work myself, if you don't feel comfortable doing electrical, you'll have to hire a electrician. You also need to purchase a gas bottle, that'll run you about another $200, you need a good mask, another $100 there, then welding gloves for a few bucks, then filler material and some practice material. So you can account for at least another $500 on top of the welder purchase.

 

[Banacanin]

Oh, and don't forget about the extras to make the welder work!! If you don't have an outlet to plug it into, that's expensive, it cost me like $180 just in parts for electrical parts to put in a 50A outlet, and I did the work myself, if you don't feel comfortable doing electrical, you'll have to hire a electrician. You also need to purchase a gas bottle, that'll run you about another $200, you need a good mask, another $100 there, then welding gloves for a few bucks, then filler material and some practice material. So you can account for at least another $500 on top of the welder purchase.

Well I always wanted to learn, and if I take it seriously I won't do too badly. The electric won't be a problem because my house was once owned by a handyman and it is equipped - I am going to get an electrician to inspect it though because some of the stuff the handyman did wasn't all that handy. When I consider all the stuff you mentioned that I need to buy I think its best that I keep my eyes peeled for a used machine like you did.It is so easy for me to get overly excited by tools and rush in and make a silly purchase. I was just kidding about my wife, actually she is incredibly supportive and was never terribly angered by my tool hording behavior (that's what she calls it anyway).

 

[parrisw]

Well I always wanted to learn, and if I take it seriously I won't do too badly. The electric won't be a problem because my house was once owned by a handyman and it is equipped - I am going to get an electrician to inspect it though because some of the stuff the handyman did wasn't all that handy. When I consider all the stuff you mentioned that I need to buy I think its best that I keep my eyes peeled for a used machine like you did.It is so easy for me to get overly excited by tools and rush in and make a silly purchase. I was just kidding about my wife, actually she is incredibly supportive and was never terribly angered by my tool hording behavior (that's what she calls it anyway).

I'm the same way man!

I paid $1400 for mine, if that helps you with your budget.

 

[DSS]

Got an old drill press from my grandfathers place the other day. Its a Walker Turner WT900 1-944. From what I have researched these were good machines and with proper maintenance will last. I believe this one is from the mid '40s. You can use these for light duty milling as well, not like a Bridgeport obviously. Its in good shape but there is one wire broken to the motor and its so close and dried out I cant save it. The motor is still good. any ideas?

Joe, that is a cool old press and well worth saving. Can you get the motor out ? It would be a very simple job to fix I would think. Any electric motor repair shop would fix that up in a minute.

 

[WesternSaw]

Parris and Banicanin

Will, I think I mentioned this website to you awhile ago.I'm obviously not on there as I don't weld, but thought maybe it might be something for all concerend to have a look at. http://weldingweb.com/
Lawrence

 

[edisto]

Joe, that is a cool old press and well worth saving. Can you get the motor out ? It would be a very simple job to fix I would think. Any electric motor repair shop would fix that up in a minute.

I've had luck with similar problems with a soldering iron and a few coats of liquid electrical tape.

 

[Banacanin]

Will, I think I mentioned this website to you awhile ago.I'm obviously not on there as I don't weld, but thought maybe it might be something for all concerend to have a look at. http://weldingweb.com/
Lawrence

Awesome site, thanks Lawrence!

 

[mtfallsmikey]

Joe, that is a cool old press and well worth saving. Can you get the motor out ? It would be a very simple job to fix I would think. Any electric motor repair shop would fix that up in a minute.

What would really be cool would be to repair it with OEM asbestos-insulated wire!

 

[parrisw]

Will, I think I mentioned this website to you awhile ago.I'm obviously not on there as I don't weld, but thought maybe it might be something for all concerend to have a look at. http://weldingweb.com/
Lawrence

Yup, I'm a member there. Good site.

 

[joe25DA]

Millwaukee drill

I found this on CL. The guy was asking $40 for the 9.6v 3/8" drill, 2 batteries, charger, case and manual. I thought that was a good deal. Then when I was walking out the door he gave me $20 cause he said it was an old drill! I told him that $40 was fair but he insisted I take $20 back. So I am happy, I used the drill at work and while it is not super fast It work just fine.
<a href="http://s729.photobucket.com/albums/ww294/joe25da/?action=view&amp;current=SummerFall2010164.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i729.photobucket.com/albums/ww294/joe25da/SummerFall2010164.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

 

[Banacanin]

I found this on CL. The guy was asking $40 for the 9.6v 3/8" drill, 2 batteries, charger, case and manual. I thought that was a good deal. Then when I was walking out the door he gave me $20 cause he said it was an old drill! I told him that $40 was fair but he insisted I take $20 back. So I am happy, I used the drill at work and while it is not super fast It work just fine.
<a href="http://s729.photobucket.com/albums/ww294/joe25da/?action=view&amp;current=SummerFall2010164.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i729.photobucket.com/albums/ww294/joe25da/SummerFall2010164.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

Nice find, earlier in this thread there is some good tips on restoring the batteries

 

[820wards]

My proudest moment so far welding aluminum. Here is a pic, just been running a bunch of beads.

I've just had it set to auto AC balance, and it work good, nice amount of cleaning action as you can see around the weld.

Stackin dimes... Looks good!

jerry-

 

[parrisw]

Stackin dimes... Looks good!

jerry-

Thanks! I was like a proud daddy!

 

[Work Saw Collector]

I just read all 60 pages :hmm3grin2orange: good stuff guys. I'll get some pics and see if I can add to the thread.

 

[Work Saw Collector]

Here is my favorite tool, the can has 50/1 in it and 100# air preasure it can start a bunch of saws before it needs refilled. I don't jerk on a saw more than two or three times before I get the can and give it a little shot.

 

[DSS]

Here is my favorite tool, the can has 50/1 in it and 100# air preasure it can start a bunch of saws before it needs refilled. I don't jerk on a saw more than two or three times before I get the can and give it a little shot.

I thought those stihls always started on two or three pulls ??????:hmm3grin2orange:

JK, thats a good idea. I just have a little oil can with mix in it.

 

[Work Saw Collector]

I thought those stihls always started on two or three pulls ??????:hmm3grin2orange:

JK, thats a good idea. I just have a little oil can with mix in it.

They do, after a little prime and a swift kick to the long bar. :hmm3grin2orange:

 

[Work Saw Collector]

Some of the stuff I got for Christmas. :biggrinbounce2:

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/supercabs78/5289286591/" title="002 by supercabs78, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5246/5289286591_4f4b246a9a.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="002" /></a>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/supercabs78/5289287243/" title="005 by supercabs78, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5006/5289287243_cc74d06af3.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="005" /></a>